Picking the Best Cabins on the Norwegian Gem

A deck-by-deck analysis of the Norwegian Gem's best and worst cabins.

Looking for the best cabins on the Norwegian Gem? Want to find the cabin with a little larger balcony than most? And what about staying away from undesirable cabins on the Norwegian Gem? How do you avoid the worst cabins on the Norwegian Gem?

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Norwegian Gem Best & Worst Staterooms: Summary
Best Cabins onboard the Norwegian Gem: staterooms on Decks 9, 10,14, and 15.
Cabins to be wary of onboard the Norwegian Gem: stateroom on Decks 5, 8, and 11.

Deck-by-Deck Breakdown of the Best and Worst Cabins onboard the Norwegian Gem

Deck 4

Most of the cabins on the Norwegian Gem's Deck 4 have cabins above them -- this means that they are typically quieter compared to cabins beneath the disco or sunbathing areas (the noise of moving deck chairs late at night / early in the AM).

Forward on Deck 4 of the Norwegian Gem, exterior cabins 4500, 4502, and 4504 and inside staterooms 4501, 4503, and 4505 are underneath the most aft portion of the stage. There could be some noise heard overhead from these staterooms during performances, as well as before and after when staff are preparing for or cleaning after a show.

On Deck 4 of the Norwegian Gem, the roomiest exterior staterooms are 4500- 4510. Check when booking, as some of these have obstructed views.

Except for the most forward exterior and interior staterooms (4500- 4505), the rest of the staterooms on this deck have cabins above, and are consequently going to be quieter.

Aft, interior cabin 4604 is twice the size of other inside staterooms on Deck 4 of the Norwegian Gem.

Deck 5

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning ***
Some cabins on this deck with potential problems.
Deck 5 is right beneath several major public areas on the Norwegian Gem, including the casino and the smaller main dining room. This could mean some noise issues for a select group of cabins. How staterooms are situated on Deck 5 reflects Norwegian Cruise Lines careful consideration of potential noise issues. For example, most cabins on Deck 5 are not under high traffic venues which are open into the wee hours. It is, consequently, possible to locate a quieter stateroom on Deck 5 of the Norwegian Gem with some planning!

Forward on Deck 5 of the Norwegian Gem, Oceanview Staterooms 5000 and 5500 are closest to the stage area, but have been arranged so that conference areas, and not the theater are directly above. There are likely no major issues with noise, and the cabins are also a bit oddly shaped and more spacious than average.

On Deck 5, exterior cabins 5522- 5546 port side and 5022- 5046 starboard are under the casino. Inside cabins in that area, 5021, 5039, and 5521- 5543 will likely be most affected. Noise issues from this area can occur after hours when many travelers are in their cabins on the Norwegian Gem. If you are light sleeper, you may prefer to find a cabin elsewhere on the ship, bring earplugs, or invest in a wave machine (a sound device available at a specialty retailer like Brookstone -- produces pleasant sounds that can wipe out the unpleasant sounds).

Portside, inside cabins 5049- 5071 and Oceanview Staterooms 5048- 5078 are generally under bar areas. Again, we suggest looking for a stateroom elsewhere, bringing along ear plugs, or investing in a wave machine for light sleepers.

Aft on Deck 5 of the Norwegian Gem, Oceanview Staterooms 5580- 5588 port side and 5086- 5094 starboard, and interior cabin 5581 are under the general area of the smaller main dining room. There could be noise during dining hours and during the clean-up after each meal. For dinner, the last diners usually exit by 10:30 and there is likely to some noise from the clean-up (vacuum cleaners) as late as 11:30. Given that most people don't get back to their cabins to after 11 PM, this shouldn't be a substantial issue. Breakfast typically starts in the main dining room at 7:00 AM, so you might hear some noise above starting then. However, few people go to the main dining room for breakfast, so, this should not be a major issue.

Some of the worst cabins on the Norwegian Gem are on Deck 5. While we are not suggesting that this deck be avoided, you will find quieter cabin areas on higher decks!

Deck 8

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning ***
Some cabins on this deck with potential problems.
Along this entire deck, you should be aware that the main drag of the Norwegian Gem is right beneath your cabin. Most of the public venues on Deck 7 are not going to present appreciable noise issues. However, there is a popular night club beneath the aft section of cabins, and staterooms most forward may have have some noise concerns from the theater below.

Forward on Deck 8 of the Gem, interior cabins 8007- 8507, 8517- 8537, and 8017- 8064 could have noise issues from the theater beneath, and these staterooms are likely to be most affected. Exterior cabins in this area are 8508- 8540 port side and 8008- 8040 starboard. While this is likely not a late night problem, you could hear some noise during performances, as well as before and after when staff are preparing for or cleaning up following a show.

Also, based upon past guest comments, some of the balconies on staterooms more forward on Deck 8 feature a porthole like frame. This helps buffer the wind, but it does somewhat obstruct your view.

Best staterooms to consider on Deck 8 are going to be midship, between the elevators most forward and aft. These include balcony staterooms 8542- 8548 port side and 8042- 8048 starboard. There are several exterior staterooms with obstructed views in this section of Deck 8 on the Norwegian Gem (8550- 8594 and 8596- 8602 port side and 8050- 8094 and 8096- 8102 starboard). Interior cabins 8051- 8561 and 8069- 8587 are also in this area. These staterooms have relatively quiet public areas beneath, and will not have much in the way of noise issues during the day or late at night.

Between the Penthouse Suites, two balcony staterooms (8634 and 8134) have that highly sought aft view of the ocean!

Oceanview staterooms 8608- 8626 port side and 8108- 8126 starboard, as well as interior cabins 8609- 8627 and 8109- 8127 are all over the aft night club which does feature two bowling alleys. There is a possibility that noises could be heard very late at night. Again, if you are light sleeper, you may prefer to find a cabin elsewhere on the ship, bring earplugs, or invest in a wave machine (a sound device available at a specialty retailer like Brookstone -- produces pleasant sounds that can wipe out the unpleasant sounds).

Some of the worst cabins on the Norwegian Gem are on Deck 8. While we are not suggesting that this deck be avoided, you will find quieter cabin areas on higher decks!

Deck 9

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!
In addition to Penthouse Suites, Deck 9 of the Norwegian Gem adds the luxurious Owners Suites! There are also several balcony staterooms and inside cabins from which to choose. Deck 9 has the added advantage of cabin decks above and beneath which filter out noise public areas can generate! Some of the best cabins on the Norwegian Gem are generally onboard Deck 9.

Forward on the Norwegian Gem, Owners' Suites 9504 and 9004 offer the most spacious accommodations on Deck 9. (Each has 790 sq. ft. of space including the balcony.)However, unless there's a tailwind, balcony views from this vantage point are going to be breezy!

Located between these two Owners' Suites, Penthouse Suites 9502, 9500, 9000, and 9002, each with 489 sq. ft. of space including the balcony, are the largest of their kind on Deck 9 of the Norwegian Gem. Once again, ocean views from these balconies are likely to be windy.

Deck 9 of the Gem features balcony staterooms port side (9506- 9668) and starboard (9006- 9168).

If you are looking for an inside cabin, this is an excellent deck. There are several located on Deck 9 of the Gem, and those most forward (9505 & 9005) and most aft (9669 & 9169) are across the hall from the high rent areas on this deck which is also where the best cabin stewards are assigned.

Aft on the Gem's Deck 9, there are four smaller Penthouse Suites (9670, 9672, 9172, and 9170). Each has 341 sq. ft. including the balcony, and that majestic (less breezy) view of the ocean.

Balcony staterooms 9674 and 9174 are located between the aft Penthouse Suites and have that highly sought view of the ocean!

Deck 10

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!
The Norwegian Gem's Deck 10 is also cushioned between two cabin decks, which helps to make this another, quieter place for a stateroom or suite. Deck 10 features Penthouse Suites and Owners' Suites! Some of the best cabins on the Norwegian Gem are on Deck 10!

Forward on the Norwegian Gem, Owners' Suites 10504 and 10004 offer the most spacious accommodations on Deck 10. (Each has 790 sq. ft. of space including the balcony.)However, unless there's a tailwind, balcony views from this vantage point are going to be breezy!

Located between these two Owners' Suites, Penthouse Suites 10502, 10500, 10000, and 10002, each with 489 sq. ft. of space including the balcony, are the largest of their kind on Deck 10 of the Norwegian Gem. Once again, ocean views from these balconies are likely to be windy.

There are numerous balcony staterooms port side (10506- 10662) and starboard (10006- 10162) on the Gem's Deck 10!

Deck 10 of the Norwegian Gem is also a great location to reserve an interior stateroom, if this is your preference because this is one of the quieter decks. Inside staterooms 10653 and 10153 are much more spacious than standard.

Aft on Deck 10 of the Gem, Penthouses with Large Balconies (10664, 10666, 10166, and 10164) captivate the heart and that idyllic ocean view. Each of these suites has 375 sq. ft. of space including the balcony!

Between the Penthouses, balcony staterooms 10668 and 10168 also have that beautiful (less breezy) view of the ocean.

Deck 11

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning ***
Some cabins on this deck with potential problems.

Deck 11 of the Norwegian Gem exclusively offers mini-suites, inside cabins, and ten Family Suites. Of the cabin decks, Deck 11 is most oriented for children! Travelers who enjoy Lido pools and casual dining may prefer a suite here, but this deck may not be ideal for light sleepers.

Forward on Deck 11 of the Norwegian Gem, there are ten Family Suites (11506, 11512, 11518, 11524, & 11530 port side and 11006, 11012, 11018, 11024, & 11030 starboard). Each of these has 546 sq. ft. including the balcony, and features a bedroom for children as well as a second bathroom with a shower. The Family cabins are in in short-supply and are very popular given their attractive sleeping arrangements. They sell out very quickly, so it is best to book early if this is your preference.

With the exception of the Family Suites and interior cabins, all of the accommodations port side and starboard are mini-suites. On average, each of these have 285 sq. ft. of space including the balcony on Deck 11 of the Gem.

Exterior suites 11524- 11566 port side, 11024- 11066 starboard, and interior cabins 11537, 11037, 11053, 11055, and 11057 are underneath the pool section on Deck 12. It will be possible to hear some noise in this area, such as the scraping of deck chairs when staff are cleaning at night.

Aft, there are several suites and staterooms located under the casual dining on Deck 12. These are 11622- 11636 port side, 11122- 11136 starboard, and all the inside cabins in this area of Deck 11 on the Norwegian Gem.

There are seven mini-suites (11650- 11150) directly aft on the Gem's Deck 11 which are also underneath the casual dining area. Travelers need to be aware of the fact that there could be noise as early as 7:00am, because this is a popular breakfast venue. After 11:00pm, there could be noise associated with staff cleaning. Generally, we do not think this will be a huge concern because most travelers on the Norwegian Gem are usually not in there cabins during these times.

Interior cabins 11139 and 11147 are larger than standard.

Deck 14

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated luxury accommodations by our cruise experts!
Accommodations on Deck 14 of the Norwegian Gem are without question the most exclusive and luxurious of all! This is where all of the Villas are located. Each has access to the private Haven Courtyard, which features a private courtyard which includes a hot tub, pool, and sundeck!

Forward on Deck 14, with up to 5000 sq. ft. each, the Haven 3 Bedroom Garden Villas (14500 and 14000) are the most spacious to be found on the Norwegian Gem!

There are eight Haven 2 Bedroom Family Villas (14506- 14512 and 14006- 14012), each with 572 sq. ft. of space and a separate children's bedroom.

On the Gem's Deck 14, two Haven Penthouses, 14514 and 14014 are aft on Deck 14. Each of these has 440 sq. ft. of living space in the most elegant neighborhood you can find aboard the Norwegian Gem!

Deck 15

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated luxury accommodations by our cruise experts!
Accommodations on Deck 15 of the Norwegian Gem are certainly exclusive! Including access to the Haven Courtyard, the two Haven Deluxe Owner's Suites with Large Balconies on Deck 15 are the ONLY cabins on this top tier deck!

Mid ship, 15500 and 15000 are Haven Deluxe Owner's Suites with Large Balconies. Each will have 630 sq. ft. with a 561 sq. ft. balcony. Each is designed to accommodate up to four guests, and provides a dining room, a living room, a luxury bathroom, a king sized bed, and the services of a concierge and a butler!

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